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Algorithms (Years 1-2)

An algorithm is a structured set of instructions designed to achieve a specific goal, requiring clear and ordered steps. The document illustrates this concept through examples, such as a game algorithm and cake decorating instructions, emphasizing the importance of clarity and sequence in algorithms. Additionally, it explains how algorithms are essential for programming computers to perform tasks accurately.

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Syed Ahmad
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62 views12 pages

Algorithms (Years 1-2)

An algorithm is a structured set of instructions designed to achieve a specific goal, requiring clear and ordered steps. The document illustrates this concept through examples, such as a game algorithm and cake decorating instructions, emphasizing the importance of clarity and sequence in algorithms. Additionally, it explains how algorithms are essential for programming computers to perform tasks accurately.

Uploaded by

Syed Ahmad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPSX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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cgpplus.co.

uk
What’s an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a set of instructions.
It is designed to achieve a goal.
It has clear, detailed steps to follow.
The steps go in an order.

Try saying ‘algorithm’


3 times quickly!

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A Game Algorithm
Can you guess what game this algorithm is for?

1. Sit in a circle with other children.


2. Wait until you are given a parcel. Pass the parcel!
3. Music has stopped?
Music is playing?
or Rip off a layer
Pass it to the next person.
of paper.

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Decorating Cakes

Alien Ali wants to decorate some cakes.


He asks his friend Max how to do it.
Ali can understand English, but he has
never decorated a cake, so he needs
to be told exactly what to do!

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Algorithms Need Clear Steps

What’s wrong
Get a cake. with Max’s
Put some stuff on it. algorithm?

There is not enough


information about exactly
what Ali should do.

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Algorithms Must Be in Order
Max tries again:
• Sprinkle decorations on top.
• Spread icing on the cake.
• Get a cake.
What’s wrong
this time? The steps are in
the wrong order.
It doesn’t make sense!
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Max Tries Again…
• Get some cakes, icing, decorations and a knife.
• Use the knife to spread icing on a cake.
• Pick up a few decorations with your fingers.
• Sprinkle them on top of the same cake.
• Repeat until you have decorated all the cakes.
What makes
this algorithm It is clear, detailed
better? and in the right order.
Ta-dah!
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Computer Algorithms
We can use algorithms to tell computers what to do.
We make The computer does
instructions with exactly what we say.
a goal (an output). It can’t think for itself!

Your wish is my
Computer! Do this!
command!

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A Nutty Algorithm
Goal: Get Squirrel to her nut.

1 Space
1 Space What went
wrong?

Output: Squirrel went


to the strawberry!

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Let’s Try Again!
Goal: Get Squirrel to her nut.

2 Spaces
1 Space

Output: Squirrel went


to the nut!
Hooray! It worked!
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Why Use Algorithms?
Algorithms are really important for computers.
They help computers do things like…

Make traffic Tell you about


Search the
lights change at music you
internet
the right time might like
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What Can You Remember?
Tell your partner 3 things you now know about algorithms.
Use these words to help you:

Instructions Detailed

Steps Clear Goal

Order Computers
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